Celeste Lucretia Black · 14 May 2021 · Chapter 4: Part 4
He's delirious with pain
It's Nothing Really... by Dreamflower
Reviews (50)
Celeste Lucretia Black · 14 May 2021 · Chapter 3: Part 3
Maybe they should make a splint for Merry
Celeste Lucretia Black · 14 May 2021 · Chapter 2: Part 2
Yes he will
Celeste Lucretia Black · 14 May 2021 · Chapter 1: Part 1
My first ankle sprain was so terrible, I cried
Robert · 2 June 2016 · Chapter 5: Part 5
When the Gaffer finds out what happened, from Sam or Frodo, I suspect he'll share the story with his friends down the pub, and both Noakes and Longhole will get what they deserve. Noakes's name will be mud, but Longhole's will be golden. Even if the Gaffer tries to avoid explicitly naming Noakes, or stays quiet altogether, word will still circulate. Too many hobbits know what happened for it to stay secret, starting with all those who saw Merry set off without Noakes. Soon enough, half the Shire will know that Noakes can't be trusted but Farmer Longhole has the respect of both Frodo Baggins and the Thain himself, respect that is worth more than mere gold.
Rachel Stonebreaker · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 5: Part 5
It's Nothing Really ... HA! Of course it was something! Poor lads. All of them. I enjoyed the repeat of your title from different people. That's a very good touch. You wrapped up the story nicely, not dragging it on, yet explaining a few things to tidy it up and all. I think Sam could have taken it on himself to mention something to send to Longhole, though perhaps not. The farmer might have taken offense, you're right. Thanks for the good read! ~ Rach
Author's reply
Yes, of course--it *always is* something, really, when people say that. And yes, poor lads--Frodo worrying about both his younger cousins, Pippin worrying about Merry, Merry suffering the pain, and Sam anxious about all of them. I like to play little experiments like that once in a while. It's a common enough phrase, so I thought I'd see how often I could slip the tag line in, and still make it sound natural. It didn't need a lot of dragging on--once Merry was tucked up safely at Bag End, it seemed a logical stopping point. Sam well knew, I think, that the farmer would have been insulted to have been offered money. On the other hand, if sometime down the road, Frodo should happen to send him a small and practical gift of some sort, he might be gratified. But he would not like to have it thought that he had been helpful out of hoping for some sort of reward. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It was a fun little story to write.
Rachel Stonebreaker · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 1: Part 1
I'm getting around to reading some stories I've missed. Marigold recommended this one. I'm glad she did. I sometimes blow off the H/C stories, not much into them (yeah, right, she said rolling her eyes in her own disbelief) well, alright, I'm not into the goofy ones. This one isn't goofy at all! It's very good. The only thing that had me going for a minute was the thought that Noakes would have passed them on the road. It didn't occur to me that they set out cross country. Not until I read that later on. Silly me. Off to read the rest! ~ Rach
Author's reply
Hi, Rachel--good to hear from you! *grin* I know what you mean by the "goofy" ones. I am quite sure that certain characters run in panic when they see certain authors headed in their direction, LOL! They know what they are in for! Some people just love to do all sorts of dire things to the one they are supposed to love best, just to give themselves a chance at some vicarious cuddling, or to gratify a kink for certain unpleasant medical procedures. *shakes head*. But I enjoy a nice h/c now and then, with a minimum of "h" (though enough to make it dramatic, unless it's fluff), but a good deal of TLC. And I prefer the h/c to actually be part of a plot and not an end of itself. Most of the h/c I write is either to prove a point (as in "The Dare") or as a part of the plot (as in "It Takes a Took") or as in this one, as a gift to someone who has requested it. To me, the best part of h/c involving the four hobbits is to see the others lavishing love and care on the "hurt" one. And because Frodo suffers so much in canon, you will only rarely see him suffering in one of my stories. I really prefer to show him as the caregiver for a change.
Queen Galadriel · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Part 5
Aww, love this one! Poor Merry! I can very well see these two in such a situation. Now for the count. I know I'm too late, but I decided to try anyway. That was a piece of work, Dreamflower! But a delightful one. :) It's so easy to miss that, especially when you're listening, not reading, and at this hour of the night. :) I'm not supposed to be reading now anyway, but... Now then: You used the title three times in ch. 1, not at all in ch. 2, once in ch. 3, once in ch. 4, and twice in ch. 5. And that adds up to seven times altogether. Is that right? I hope so, because I read every one of those chapters three times! :) This stuff is fun-I'll have to do something like that...:) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, you are quite right! Seven times, not counting the title. And it *was* fun!
Gryffinjack · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
What a lovely story! No wonder Pippin didn't know the way to Mistress Salvia's house - he's used to being the patient, not the one running to get the healer. I really enjoy it when one of the other characters pops up in one of your stories, like Mistress Salvia. Although not mentioned in the books, they have become a part of the Shire. So Pippin's finally able to let out all that worried bottled energy he's been storing since Merry got hurt. A regular chatterbox, that one. The praise from the healer about how he did just the right thing is quite a reward for Pippin, who needs constant praise and attention. It's not easy being the youngest, especially when your peer group consists of those so much older than you, as in Pippin's case. He's not your typical child or tweenager who is always associating with others his own age. At last Merry can get the proper rest and medical attention that he needs. It must have been a welcome relief to all of them when they arrived at Bag End, especially Merry. He really has been a very brave, uncomplaining hobbit. I don't like seeing Merry in pain. I prefer to see him cheery and, well, merry! This was, as always, an excellent story about our dear hobbits. Now please let Merry heal swiftly so he, Frodo, and Pippin can enjoy their visit together.
Author's reply
Mistress Salvia is my healer in Hobbiton, during the years that Frodo is with Bilbo, and then afterwards when Bilbo leaves for several more years. I like to keep a certain consistency with these things. Glad you caught the bit about why Pip didn't know the way to the healer's. I kind of wanted to be subtle about that without coming right out and saying it, LOL! Yes, Pippin tends to chatter on and on when he is excited, whether good or bad. But the healer did need to hear what had been done for Merry, and the praise she gave him was well-deserved. Pippin does seek validation quite often; it's not so much a lack of self-esteem or confidence, but just, as you said, always being the youngest, he needs reassurance from those with more experience that he has done the right thing. I like seeing Merry being merry as well, but sometimes it's nice to give him a bit of coddling. I guess the idea of h/c is to provide an excuse for some TLC. At any rate, it was Anso's prize! Oh, he'll heal up quickly enough, being a hobbit and young and healthy. And the three of them will have more fun at Bag End than they would at the Great Smials anyway. Thanks for all the neat reviews!
Gryffinjack · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 4: Part 4
The image of Frodo sleeping under a tree with Merry and Pippin tucked under each arm is so sweet and hobbity! "His eyes wide Pippin nodded solemnly. “I’m so glad you came, Frodo,” he said softly. “I was afraid that I was going to have to leave him alone to get help.” Tears sprang to the green eyes, as he thought of it. It would have been so hard to leave his Merry all alone and hurt, to go fetch help." Poor Pippin - he's such a dear lad! He must have felt those tears in his eyes since the moment Merry was injured and it was up to him to take care of his dear cousin. It was very brave of the young tweenager to have decided that he would have to leave his Merry alone while he went to get help in the morning. Thankfully, Frodo arrived in time and it was able to do that instead while Pippin stayed and tended to Merry. Merry is not doing well at all right now. The poor thing is in shock and in too much pain to even eat. Between the willow-bark powder, buttermilk, and resting listening to Pippin sing to him, at least Merry should rest more comfortably now. "And Frodo rode along thinking of some very choice names to call the carter, Noakes." I don't think Bree will be far enough away from Frodo and Saradoc. Hmmm... maybe Mr. Noakes should sign up now to be part of the group that goes to Edoras several years later.
Author's reply
When his cousins were little, Frodo often slept with them one on each side. It doesn't happen so much anymore, except under this sort of circumstance. Yes, I think really, the resolution to leave Merry if he had to was probably the bravest thing he did. So lucky he didn't have to. Merry's shocky, and in pain, but things will be getting better soon. Yeah, Noakes got himself into a real pickle. But he wouldn't be very popular in the other group: it includes two of Merry's cousins and and his future brother-in-law, and I'm pretty sure that Eomer wouldn't think much of him either, LOL!
Gryffinjack · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 3: Part 3
"Pippin simply sat and smoothed the curls on Merry’s brow. It not only comforted Merry, but it seemed to help calm himself as well." Such a lovely image - we always see Frodo and Merry brushing Pippin's hair back and soothing him. It's nice to see Pippin being the one soothing his cousin. All three of them get so much out of such a simple physical gesture as smoothing the hair or rubbing of the back. It's like food for their souls. Pippin stood up, but pushed Merry back. “You stay where you are, Meriadoc Brandybuck!” HA! Pippin ordering Merry around! He certainly has taken charge of things and won't relinquish it until Frodo is actually there. Butter and pickle sandwiches? That sounds awful! "“Good night, sprout,” he whispered, using the special baby-name for his cousin that he never dared say aloud any longer to this nearly grown tween." Ah! The perfect opportunity to tell you something! Since the first time I read Frodo's endearing nickname for Merry in your stories, I've loved the name. In fact, I'm so taken with it that I started calling my twelve year old niece who I'm raising "Sprout" in the same fashion. When I explained about the nickname to her, she was thrilled, especially since her favourite hobbit is Merry.
Author's reply
"It's like food for their souls." When it comes to touching, very much so. I just read a lovely Cormallen fic, and the author described the hobbits' needing physical touch the way they needed to breathe. Pippin has learned what to do with someone sick or injured from being on the receiving end of the care all these years. No one knows better than he that sometimes the patient has to be ordered around "for his own good". And he might be getting a *wee* bit of satisfaction at having the tables turned for once, though I'm sure he'd never consciously think of it that way. Aww! That's so sweet! Thank you for telling me that. *melts into puddle of goo* Give your niece a hug from me!
Gryffinjack · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 2: Part 2
Poor Merry! He's being such a brave young hobbit, hiding his pain because he's worried about getting Pippin more upset than he knows he is already. Even when injured, he's protective and acts the older cousin. "“I know that you need to keep off that foot, but it’s not too good for you to have to be laying out here while the Sun’s so high,” he said emphatically. That was something with which he had personal experience." lol! Pippin sure has had a personal experience with overexposure to the sun! I don't think Merry will be allowed to make the same mistake. I'm glad Merry appreciates Pippin and his abilities. Although most would probably be surprised that Pippin is so capable, Merry would not be. He knows his younger cousin observes and makes note of everything no matter how care-free he seems. But still, there is something amazing about seeing someone you have cared for and nurtured grow up, take charge, and competently do what must be done - it's been a real treat to read about how well Pippin tends to Merry. And although Merry is not one of Pippin's parents, he and Frodo have spent a good deal of time in shaping the young Took. Merry must be very proud of his Pippin right about now. Hang in there, Merry. Frodo's coming and he's brought food.
Author's reply
Yes, I don't much imagine that anything short of unconsciousness gets Merry *out* of protective mode, LOL! Pippin does indeed. He will certainly not allow that to happen to his Merry. Merry (and Frodo) are well aware of how capable Pippin can be when he has to. I am not fond of the way some fics show Pippin as being a screw-up who can't do anything right. He is very bright and observant, and though he makes his share of foolish mistakes, those come from his impulsiveness or his youthful lack of knowledge, not from any inherent lack of capacity on his part. Still, I am sure that it does seem a bit amazing for Merry to see him take charge like that, if only because it would happen so rarely in Merry's presence. Pippin is glad to have Merry run things and to follow along, but if, for some reason Merry *can't*, Pippin will very capably step into the breech. (Look at the way he handled their captivity by Orcs, for a canon example of this. I guess you could call this a rehearsal for that event.) And I am quite sure that in spite of his pain, Merry is just bursting with pride in his Pip.
Gryffinjack · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 1: Part 1
Ah, so you've posted this story over here, too! I didn't see it before, but I'll review it now since I'm past this point in the chronology. Nothing is as satisfying as seeing Frodo cut people down to size when they have endangered or wronged one of Frodo's loved ones. He has the best way of making his displeasure known! I don't know which will be the worst for Mr. Noakes - the wrath of the Master of Buckland, the wrath of the Thain, or facing one of Frodo's glacial glares. *shudder* I daresay he deserves all three after the way he acted. While Mr. Noakes was clearly irresponsible and wrong for getting so drunk when he was charged with the care and delivery of two tweenagers, Merry acted too impulsively by deciding to walk the rest of the way with Pippin rather than wait for the hobbit to sleep it off. The delay caused by Mr. Noakes' oversleeping and probable hangover would still amount to Merry and Pippin arriving at Bag End sooner than they would by walking in all likelihood. Not that I blame Merry for being upset with Mr. Noakes and not wanting to travel with him, but he himself was only a tweenager and for him to take on the responsiblity of a young tweenager like Pippin especially with noboby else knowing what route they were going to take ... I'm sure that, like most tweenagers, he thought that he was filled with self confidence and knew that he could take care of everything, but I just don't think Merry should have done it. This is a very promising beginning to a story I look forward to reading. Now Frodo is going to have to come to the rescue while Pippin is going to get a chance to take care of Merry.
Author's reply
For some reason, one thing I *love* to do is to have Frodo ream some adult for not treating his younger cousins as well as he thinks they should be treated. (Remember the store clerk in "Pippin the Protector"?) I can just see him facing them down like a lion protecting its cubs. Yes, Merry *did* make a mistake, a very understandable one. He's still a tween himself, and though he's not nearly as impulsive as Pippin will be all his life, Merry is also still part Took. As much as Merry tends to be a forward-thinker, it never occured to him that he might get hurt. And I'm sure he thought that they were both up to a walk that he had taken with Frodo himself more than once. Still, it was basically an unwise decision--he would have done better to have sent Frodo a message and waited for him at Frogmorton. But that sort of foresight is still a few years in coming--and it's quite possible that this little error made now helped him be a little better prepared for things later. Lesson learned. Yes, a bit of Merry h/c, with Pippin giving the "c".
Larner · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
Ah, yes, "Nothing, really." Nothing really my eye, poor Merry. Loved the detail and the nervous spillage from Pippin as he finally has the chance to give over the responsibility to Mistress Salvia. Ah, the dear lad! Thanks for a wonderful short tale.
Author's reply
I've often found that phrase to be rather more ironic than the person speaking it means for it to be. "Nothing, really" usually means "something, really" as Lindelea pointed out. Yes, now that Pippin has found someone who he can unload on, he does so thoroughly. He is a sweetie, isn't he? And thanks for the reviews! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Larner · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Part 4
Oh, I can well imagine what names he was considering, as I've found myself considering the same. Heh!
Author's reply
*chuckle* Well, I don't suppose any of those names would have made the list of approved Shire expressions, but Frodo can't be faulted for *thinking*, LOL!
Larner · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 3: Part 3
Ah, the sweet, competent Frodo. A blessing on him for his care and diligence and swift intelligence when considering the actions of his cousins. And hope Noakes regrets drinking so heavily! Heh!
Author's reply
Fortunately he knows his cousins well, and could anticipate Merry's probable route. And he is rather competent--after all, most of his formative years were spent under Sara's competent tutelage as well. I certainly hope he regrets it. I hope he has many a sleepless night remembering that blue-eyed glare, and worrying about what the Master and the Thain are going to do...
harrowcat · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
Ooh poor Merry. Why is it that all healers seem to have to cause pain before they can relieve it! And grown up Pippin who doesn't know where the healer lives because it is usually him in the sick bed! As for the challenge it is midnight so I really can't stop to count - much as I want to!
Author's reply
I don't know, but it does seem that way, doesn't it? Especially with injuries. And *now* he *does* know where she lives! That's quite all right, dear. Kitty and Imrahoil tied, right away, both their emails logging in at the same minute. Maybe I'll do it again sometime, or something similar.
Lindelea · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
Very cute! Sorry I didn't sign on in time to be in the running for the ficlet! But I have been over-doing in the face of a cold (no choice, really) and today I paid the consequences, sleeping until nearly 10:30! (Thankfully the dc know how to make breakfast, seeing as cookery lessons are a part of our class schedule, and they were very happy for the half-holiday today.) “Oh, you’re no end of trouble, you silly goose, and worth every moment of it! It’s nothing really…” (I love this! And Pippin and Frodo watching the splinting as if the foot and its attendant pain belongs to both of them!)
Author's reply
Well, I thank you for the idea, anyway, LOL! It certainly seemed popular. I hope that you are feeling much better. Colds are really the pits. I'm so glad you liked that line. It was one of my favorites.*happy grin* Pippin and Frodo are both very empathetic personalities. I would imagine they felt like cringing at every little wince Merry made.
Bodkin · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
I love the way Pippin has to be told where the healer's house is. I'm sure he's only too well acquainted with Mistress Salvia, but mainly from the point of view of the injured! His stream of consciousness chatter is probably very illuminating to her and she is delightfully reassuring. He is so caring towards Merry too - little touches and pats. Just the right kind of attention. And Sam's comment that Farmer Longhole would have been insulted by the offer of money is very good - and so true. Sam knows, Frodo. And all's well that ends well. Except for poor Merry of course.
Author's reply
I thought that might be the case, LOL! Yes, she's gleaning the information she'll need to treat Merry's injury, as well as letting the youngster know that he did the right things. That's Pippin. I see him as very much one for needing to have and give reassuring touches. And with Merry that works both ways, for example when he was smoothing Merry's curls that night while they were alone, it not only helped Merry, but also helped Pippin to relax as well. Yes, Sam definitely knows how a working hobbit would feel about something like that. Poor Merry! But it could have been a good deal worse...
Andrea · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
Sometimes I wished there was no time difference ;-) I enjoyed this story very much, especially brave little Pippin. He could have simply asked Marigold to fetch the healer, but insisted on doing it on his own. And the constant chatter on the way back to Bag End - very Pippin :) I can imagine that the healer was very amused. Thank you, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Well, Frodo had asked him to--probably to make it easier to get Merry settled without Pippin's nervous presence. And it made Pippin feel as if he were doing one more thing to help his Merry. Besides, I thought it was about time he got a turn to fetch the healer, LOL! Pippin does get talkative at times, whether he is excited for a good or a bad reason. I'm sure Mistress Salvia found his report both informative and entertaining. Glad you liked the story!
Kitty · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
Oh, I hadn't thought to be the first! *beams* Poor Dreamflower, I hope it is not too much to write two ficlets! I would love a bit of Frodo comforting, preferably with Aragorn, Legolas or one of the other Hobbits, if that is okay with you?
Author's reply
Oh, not at all. It will probably, as I told Imrahoil, be a week or so until a good bunny bites, but I'll let you know when it's ready. Frodo comfort is good. 8-) Author Reply: Hullo, Kitty! At long last I have finished your prize story! It's posted at "Dreamflower's Mathoms" #96, "Comfort Between Friends", Legolas and Frodo, as requested.
GamgeeFest · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
I doubt very much that Esme and Sara will think it's nothing. And Pippin's constant chatter is always so fun to read. Hair line fractures are the worst. I had one in my thumb once and it gave me problems for up to a year afterwards. It was just the beginning of this year that it finally got back to normal. I feel for Merry.
Author's reply
No, I very much imagine that they will think it is something indeed. I have a feeling that old Noakes is going to get reamed. Pippin does chatter when he's excited, doesn't he? Yes, originally it was going to just be a sprain, but the story insisted it was broken, so hairline fracture it was. Glad your thumb is better though.
Imrahoil · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
Tadaa! And a tie means 2 stories, right? That's extra nice. So, a ficlet, please, - too greedy?, but I'm not a friend of drabbles I'm afraid -, set during Fellowship, something between 1, 2 or all the hobbits and Boromir, but preferably not about illness and definitely not about Boromir and The Ring. If that's too specific just write what you like. I always love to read your stories. *tedee, I get a story, a story ...*
Author's reply
Okey dokey! 8-D It may be a week or two before the right bunny bites, but I'll let you know when it doew! Author Reply: Well, it's been more than a week or two, but I am working now on your little fic, and hope to have it ready soon. It's to be a part of 20_rings, but if you send me your email addy, I will give you a sneak preview of it before I post it to the community. Sorry it took so long, but I had to wait for just the right bunny. Author Reply: Since I had not heard from you, I went ahead at LJ; I'll be posting it here tomorrow in Twice Twenty, and I'll mention in the summary that it was your prize. It's a long one too. That's just the way the bunny hopped. *grinned*
Pearl Took · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
Firstly, Wonderful!! Bravo!! *applause* My guesses: Ch.1 = 3 (4 if you count it's posted in the title) Ch.2 = 0 (1 if you count the title) Ch.3 = 1 (2 " ) Ch.4 = 1 (2 ") Ch.5 = 2 (3 ") total for the story counting the initial use of the title = 8 or if you count each use of the title = 13 :)
Author's reply
Well, I wasn't counting the title. And it looks as though Kitty and Imrahoil were ahead of you. But thanks for playing!! This was a fun story to write!
Kitty · 21 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Part 5
*grin* You do love to write what others want, don't you? I think it was seven times - three times in the first, one each in the third and fourth and twice in the fifth part. Not counted the headers ;-) Anyway, I am glad they are back in Bag End and Merry savely in the bed. Poor guy, a broken ankle! Well, at least Merry and Pippin now can stay with their Frodo until Merry is recovered - I can't imagine Pippin leaving him! Merry will have wonderful company. That was certainly a first time Pippin had to fetch the healer instead of being the one in need of Mistress Salvia! And it was good she let him tell her the tale - I suppose it was not only to know what happened, but to distract Pippin from his worries about his beloved cousin. He surely growed an inch or two out of pride for her praise ;-) Wonderful tale - thank you!
Author's reply
Congratulations! You tied with Imrahoil, both of you posting at 9:42 according to my email notices. Let me know what subject you want! Yes, Merry and Pippin get to stay at Bag End a while. I'm sure they won't mind missing the Great Smials during Lithe for a change. Ah, you caught that! I wanted to imply that the healer was usually being fetched *for* Pippin, without coming right out to say so, LOL! And yes, in addition to her need to know what happened, it kept Pippin distracted until they could get there. And I'll bet you are right! He does love to be praised! Well, thank Anso for this one, it was her bunny! But I had a good deal of fun with it.